Tischler graphs of critically fixed rational maps and their applications

A rational map $f:\widehat{\mathbb{C}}\to\widehat{\mathbb{C}}$ on the Riemann sphere $\widehat{\mathbb{C}}$ is called critically fixed if each critical point of $f$ is fixed under $f$. In this article we study properties of a combinatorial invariant, called Tischler graph, associated with such a map. More precisely, we show that the Tischler graph of a critically fixed rational map is always connected, establishing a conjecture made by Kevin Pilgrim. We also discuss the relevance of this result for classical open problems in holomorphic dynamics, such as combinatorial classification problem and global curve attractor problem

Non-integrability of measure preserving maps via Lie symmetries

We consider the problem of characterizing, for certain natural number $m$, the local $\mathcal{C}^m$-non-integrability near elliptic fixed points of smooth planar measure preserving maps. Our criterion relates this non-integrability with the existence of some Lie Symmetries associated to the maps, together with the study of the finiteness of its periodic points. One of the steps in the proof uses the regularity of the period function on the whole period annulus for non-degenerate centers, question that we believe that is interesting by itself. The obtained criterion can be applied to prove the local non-integrability of the Cohen map and of several rational maps coming from second order difference equations.Comment: 25 page

Dessins d'enfants and Hubbard Trees

We show that the absolute Galois group acts faithfully on the set of Hubbard trees. Hubbard trees are finite planar trees, equipped with self-maps, which classify postcritically finite polynomials as holomorphic dynamical systems on the complex plane. We establish an explicit relationship between certain Hubbard trees and the trees known as ``dessins d'enfant'' introduced by Grothendieck.Comment: 27 pages, 8 PostScript figure

Hamiltonian mappings and circle packing phase spaces

We introduce three area preserving maps with phase space structures which resemble circle packings. Each mapping is derived from a kicked Hamiltonian system with one of three different phase space geometries (planar, hyperbolic or spherical) and exhibits an infinite number of coexisting stable periodic orbits which appear to `pack' the phase space with circular resonances.Comment: 23 pages including 12 figures, REVTEX

Billiard Dynamics: An Updated Survey with the Emphasis on Open Problems

This is an updated and expanded version of our earlier survey article \cite{Gut5}. Section $\S 1$ introduces the subject matter. Sections $\S 2 - \S 4$ expose the basic material following the paradigm of elliptic, hyperbolic and parabolic billiard dynamics. In section $\S 5$ we report on the recent work pertaining to the problems and conjectures exposed in the survey \cite{Gut5}. Besides, in section $\S 5$ we formulate a few additional problems and conjectures. The bibliography has been updated and considerably expanded